National Space Society Members
Congratulate Discovery Crew on Smooth Landing

NASA's Successful Test Flight
Paves the Way for Future Flights

WASHINGTON, DC - August 9, 2005 - Members of the National Space
Society watched from across the country and around the world as
Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James Kelly successfully landed
the space shuttle Discovery at Edwards Air Force Base in California
early this morning.

"This is a new start for America's space program," said NSS
Executive Director George Whitesides. "It marks the first major
step toward fulfilling the Vision for Space Exploration, and again
spotlights the great skill and professionalism of our astronaut
corps."

The landing capped off an eventful mission which demonstrated
new on-orbit monitoring, analysis and repair technologies.

"NASA must now use the data from this test flight to bring the
shuttle fleet to a full state of readiness," continued Whitesides.
"The astronauts and ground crew of STS-114 did a tremendous job of
bringing this mission to a successful conclusion. We thank them for
their courage and determination."

The shuttle is slated to fly until 2010 as it completes
construction of the International Space Station. After that point,
the country's launch requirements will be met by a new craft, the
Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), as well as a mix of launch vehicles
from both NASA and the private sector. It is this fleet that will
send the nation on its next great journey back to the Moon and on
to Mars.

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots
organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring
civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the
preeminent citizen's voice on space. NSS counts thousands of
members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the
world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an
award-winning periodical chronicling the most important
developments in space. For more information about NSS, how to join
or donate, or the annual International Space Development
Conference, visit: